Pakistan’s celebrated left-handed batter, Fakhar Zaman, is poised to make a comeback for the Champions Trophy 2025. Scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9, the tournament will be jointly hosted by Pakistan and the UAE.
Pakistan’s Squad Preparations
As defending champions, Pakistan is working on finalizing a balanced squad for the tournament. Reports suggest the team will comprise:
- Seven batsmen
- Four fast bowlers
- Three spinners
- One wicketkeeper
Skipper Mohammad Rizwan is expected to serve as the sole wicketkeeper in the lineup.
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Fakhar Zaman’s Career Highlights
At 34 years old, Fakhar Zaman has played 82 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) for Pakistan. Despite being left out of recent tours to Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, Zaman has shown remarkable form in domestic tournaments.
In the Champions T20 tournament, he scored:
- Total Runs: 303
- Average: 30.30
- Notable Achievements: Two half-centuries
His fitness remains a key factor, as outlined in his central contract with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Fakhar Zaman’s Performance Snapshot
| Tournament | Runs Scored | Average | Half-Centuries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Champions T20 | 303 | 30.30 | 2 |
| Recent International Tours | Not Selected | — | — |
Addressing Controversies
Earlier, Fakhar Zaman faced criticism over a tweet supporting Babar Azam, Pakistan’s star batter. In an interview, Zaman clarified that the tweet was misunderstood and wasn’t intended as criticism of the PCB’s decision to rest Babar.
He explained:
“People misunderstood that I criticised the board’s decision, which is 100% wrong.”
The tweet was aimed at journalists and former cricketers advocating for Babar’s exclusion from the team.
Recent Challenges and Recovery
Fakhar Zaman had requested a two-month rest from the PCB due to health concerns. Despite his temporary absence, his recent performances in domestic tournaments have reignited discussions about his inclusion in the national squad.
Conclusion
Fakhar Zaman’s potential inclusion in the Champions Trophy 2025 squad marks an exciting prospect for Pakistan cricket fans. With his recent form and experience, he could be a valuable asset in Pakistan’s title defense. However, his final selection hinges on meeting fitness requirements and maintaining his performance in the lead-up to the tournament.
The Champions Trophy 2025 promises to be an electrifying event, with Fakhar Zaman potentially reclaiming his place as one of Pakistan’s premier batsmen.
